LAKELAND, Fla. (Oct. 25, 2016)--On Sept. 28, 2016, the Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation (FTRF) announced that three Florida students will receive scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year. All recipients attend the University of Florida and are preparing for careers in turfgrass management. These students were selected based on their academic record, leadership capabilities and extra-curricular activities. The FTRF is a tax-deductible, 501(c)(3) and is funded through its member’s membership contributions. To date the FTRF has awarded $230,000 in scholarships.

Allison Bechtloff received the Col. Frank Ward Memorial Scholarship for $1,500. She is working on a non-thesis master’s degree in Environmental Horticulture. Her academic honors are with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS). She was an honors student, a CALS Ambassador and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Bechtloff is fascinated with the outdoors and how landscapes are created. She developed a passion for growing plants and making beautiful landscapes through her plant science education. She would like to make a career in the residential turf and landscape management.

Kaleb Lewis received the Ralph White Scholarship for $1,500. Kaleb is the second recipient to receive this scholarship. As a native Floridian, he worked for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on the game day crew for three years and realized his passion for sports field management. He is employed with the University Athletic Association through the University of Florida and has a summer internship with the Baltimore Orioles. Lewis’ career goal is to become the head groundskeeper in minor or major league baseball.

Christopher Ryan received the Bill Entwistle, Sr. Scholarship for $1,000. In 2015, Christopher also received the Col. Frank Ward Memorial Scholarship for $1,500. Christopher is also a native Floridian and has a master’s degree in Turfgrass Science. He has conducted survey work and created maps that utilize GIS software related to the spread of summer fertilizer blackout ordinances in the state. Christopher has received the Futures Leads in Science Award from the American Society of Agronomy/Crop Science Society of America/Social Science Society of America. He has taken leadership with the Gator Citrus Club and the University of Florida Turfgrass Club. After graduating he would like to focus his career on natural resource management.

The FTGA was founded in 1952 and is dedicated to education, research and the promotion of environmentally responsible and scientifically based management practices for the turfgrass industry. Florida ranks No. 1 in the nation for turfgrass related economic activity with total revenues estimated at $7.82-billion and a total employment of more than 173,000 jobs. The FTGA continues to advocate for and promote the turfgrass industry with extensive research, continuing education and opportunities for turfgrass professionals to network with their colleagues.